Sounders return to Desert Diamond Cup in 2015

The Sounders won the 2013 Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, and the league announced today that they will return in 2015:

FC Tucson and Major League Soccer have announced the six teams slated to take part in the 2015 FC Tucson MLS preseason tournament, better known as the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup. The Colorado Rapids, Montreal Impact, New England Revolution, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders FC and Sporting Kansas City round out the group which will take the field from Wednesday, February 18 through Saturday, February 28. All matches will be hosted at the brand new North Kino Sports Complex and promoted through partnerships with Pima County and VisitTucson.Now in its fourth year, the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup has become a highly anticipated event for soccer fans throughout the region and a popular travel destination for MLS supporters nationwide. Soccer fans will have the opportunity to see stars from the U.S. Men’s National Team coming off a memorable run at this year’s World Cup in Brazil, including Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), and Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake).

Attendees will also experience an exciting twist on the game atmosphere. To create a concert-like festival atmosphere, FC Tucson will host games consecutively at the Kino North Stadium and North Grandstand starting at 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. MT. Then, a third Showcase match, will kick off at 8:00 p.m. back at the Kino North Stadium.

“We are always seeking to improve the experience for our local and out of town guests and ensure a great atmosphere the MLS teams” said FC Tucson ownership in a joint statement. “The idea of an open festival where attendees can move between games and participate in a wide variety of other experiences makes this year’s MLS preseason even more unique and memorable for soccer fans.”

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Game #10, Time TBD: 5th Place v. 6th Place, Kino North Stadium Game #11, Time TBD: 3rd Place v. 4th place, Kino North Grand Stand Game #12, Time TBD: 1st Place v. 2nd Place, Kino North Stadium

*Schedule subject to CONCACAF Champions League Calendar

All Game Times and Match-ups subject to change

Ticket & Travel Information

To continue the momentum established from this year’s World Cup Celebration for the US National Team, the Mexican National Team, Major League Soccer and FC Tucson, general admission tickets for the 2015 event have been priced at only $18 which will allow fans to enjoy all three games each evening. FC Tucson Season Seat Owners are invited to reserve their seats through a new Upper 90 Club Membership that now includes the MLS Preseason along with the FC Tucson regular season. More information can be found at www.shop.fctucson.com. Out of town guests are invited to learn more about the beauty and excitement of Tucson, AZ through the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau website: www.visittucson.org.

About FC TucsonFC Tucson, established in 2010, is committed to bringing the highest caliber of competitive soccer to Tucson and establishing a successful and long-lasting source of pride for city, county, state and country. FC Tucson owns FC Tucson Soccer, Tucson’s top-level soccer team and the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup, a Major League Soccer pre-season tournament. Our owners, coaches, players and staff will play to win in sport, business and community connection. We recognize that our quality, commitment and passion for the game will guide our success and establish deep bonds with our stakeholders as we strive to be recognized and respected locally, nationally and internationally. In 2012, FC Tucson was named the PDL Rookie Franchise of the Year, in 2013 won the PDL Marketing award and in 2014, the team advanced to the Western Conference Finals and fielded the PDL Young Player of the Year and the Goalkeeper of the Year. To stay up to date on all events including the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup, visit the team’s website at www.fctucson.com, or www.facebook.com/FCTUCSON or www.twitter.com/FCTucson.

About Kino Sports ComplexKino Sports Complex is the largest sports and entertainment venue in Pima County. The home of FC Tucson soccer includes an 1,000-seat North Grandstand soccer field and the featured 2,900-seat North Stadium, and the 11,000-seat Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. The North side of the complex includes 4 additional professional caliber soccer fields. Along with seven more baseball fields (four with lights), lighted softball fields, the Kino Sports Complex is a great fit for youth, amateur and professional sports, concerts, and community events. Visit www.kinosportscomplex.com or call (520) 546-5466.

About VisitTucsonVisit Tucson's mission is to drive economic development by connecting visitors with their ideal travel & meetings experiences in Tucson and Southern Arizona. Visit Tucson is financially supported by the City of Tucson, Pima County, the Town of Oro Valley and more than 500 individual and business partners. Learn more about how tourism powers the region at VisitTucson.org